WESTERN Best Scene Script Reading of SILVER SKULL CREEK, by Ryan Gallant

When ranch-hand Ben Marsh’s fiance is kidnapped by a gang of outlaws under the thrall of an ancient bloodsucking evil, he strikes a desperate deal with the gang’s ousted leader to hunt down the band and rescue his beloved.

“Silver Skull Creek” is about finding redemption or embracing damnation in the face of evil, and the inevitable cost of both.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Western and horror.

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

I believe that the mythic quality of a classic Hollywood western a la The Searchers, combined with the visceral supernatural chills and spills of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, would be a winning thrill ride on a big screen.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?

Cowboys v. Vampire.

5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

“Aliens” or “Jurassic Park”, I’m not sure exactly which…

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

I wrote the outline and began the first draft in 2011, finished in 2012, then through several rewrites, I polished it into the current version in 2016.

7. How many stories have you written?

Two feature-length screenplays that I feel comfortable in promoting at the moment (including this one), seven more feature-length screenplays that are in various states of completion, five short screenplays, and one novel based on one of my unfinished features, the Canadian spy thriller “Crimson Zero”.

8. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the
most times in your life?)

In general, it would have to be “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. Though for the inspirational purposes of this screenplay, I listened to a lot of Johnny Cash, particularly “Ain’t No Grave”, hopefully for obvious reasons.

9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Self-confidence is always an issue, as the perfectionist in me is never truly satisfied. Just finding the discipline within me to finish the first draft was the first major hurdle, as well as juggling life’s responsibilities and stresses in between for every subsequent rewrite over the years.

10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I’ve been into podcasting for the past year and a half, and am currently co-hosting a movie review podcast with my friend called “The Ryan & Dave Show”. Aside from that, I’m fascinated (and currently alarmed) by American politics, and I like to watch movies/TV, read and game, and pretty much gather inspiration for my work wherever else I can while being, at heart, a fan of great stories.

11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your
experiences working with the submission platform site?

The platform was user-friendly, and the submission and entry fee processing was simple and efficient. I was in and out in no time!